Why did Trent Lott lose his leadership position because of Jesse Helms, and yet Obama's ociations...?

don't seem to mean a thing? They're off limits, when in fact, they show a significant pattern of sinister, corrupt, racist and anti-American connections. Isn't that hypocritical for Lott to be crucified and yet no matter who Obama's friends and mentors are, he's above reproach?